Belize to end Cuban medical brigade agreement

The government of Belize has announced it will not renew its longstanding medical cooperation agreement with Cuba. The Cuban Medical Brigade has provided essential services to Belize since 1990, supporting the health system for over three decades, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

To ensure the continued delivery of medical services, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will offer individual employment contracts to Cuban doctors and other medical professionals currently working in the country. This transition moves personnel from a government-to-government arrangement to direct employment with the Belizean ministry.

The decision follows months of uncertainty and international scrutiny regarding Cuba’s overseas medical missions. The United States has previously characterized these programs as exploitative, while Havana has rejected such allegations. Prime Minister John Briceño previously indicated that the administration sought a way to retain personnel while addressing international concerns, noting that Belize had already been paying doctors directly rather than through the Cuban government.